Your Horoscope for the Week of October 18

Add these dates to your cal:

• Friday, October 23: Scorpio season begins
• Saturday, October 24: Mercury Retrograde begins

As Team Rocket said, prepare for trouble. This week's astrology brings two major changes that you'll almost definitely notice. First, on Friday, Scorpio season begins and adds an air of mystery and intrigue to everything around you. Scorpio is the sign of transformation, and as a water sign, it's one of the most intuitive and perceptive of the zodiac. Everyone will get a little bit of extra Scorpio energy right now, but Scorpio placements, and fellow water signs Cancer and Pisces, will feel it more than most.

Then, on Saturday, the third and final Mercury Retrograde of the year begins. And this time, it's in Scorpio. When Mercury moves backwards in its orbit from our POV here on Earth, everything the planet rules—communication, travel, and technology—has a tendency to get a little wonky. If you can, add some extra time and caution to your routine both today and for the next few weeks, until Mercury Retrograde ends on November 13. Make sure you're sending that risky text to the right person, you give yourself extra time to navigate in traffic jams or public transit delays, and avoid signing contracts if you can. (And if you can't, take some extra time to read the fine print closely.)

Read your Sun/Rising sign horoscope for the week of October 18:

You can change, Aries. When Scorpio season begins on Friday, the Sun shines on your chart's section of transformation, encouraging you to become your best self. But just one day later, Mercury Retrograde begins in the same part of your chart, reminding you that the path to personal growth can be bumpy. Let your intuition guide you through the retrograde's challenges.

It takes two, Taurus. On Friday, Scorpio season begins in your chart's relationships zone. Throughout the upcoming month, you're getting even closer to your "other half," whether that's a romantic partner, best friend, or creative collaborator. But with Mercury Retrograde in Scorpio beginning on Saturday, miscommunications are also likely to pop up. Try to keep a level head and talk it through calmly to get on the same page.

Every day is all there is, Gemini. Scorpio season begins on Friday and reminds you that every significant change starts with a small step. Over the next month, any changes you make to break a bad habit or start a good one will get some extra power behind them. But with Mercury Retrograde beginning on Saturday, temptation will likely come up, too. Do your best to resist and keep the big picture in mind.

Make something, Cancer. On Friday, Scorpio season begins and brings you a creative spark. Dedicate the next month to an artistic project, like writing a song, painting a portrait, or just redecorating your home. But with Mercury Retrograde beginning on Saturday, this won't all go smoothly. Pad your budget and your deadlines to allow for delays and miscommunications.

Call home, Leo. Scorpio season begins on Friday and for the next month, you might find yourself feeling nostalgic for your family, childhood home, and oldest friends. If you can, spend some time catching up with them and reminiscing about favorite memories. However, Mercury Retrograde means that you might discover some surprises or misunderstand a story. If something seems off to you, ask about it instead of jumping to conclusions.

Use your words, Virgo. As an earth sign, you tend to be more introverted, but Scorpio season begins on Friday and reminds you of the power of your voice. Speak up thoughtfully and, for the next month, people will listen. But because Mercury Retrograde begins on Saturday, they might misunderstand you, so be sure to speak clearly and clarify your meaning if needed.

Watch your budget, Libra. Scorpio season begins on Friday and throughout the month, the Sun shines on the part of your chart associated with finances. But because Mercury Retrograde happens in the same part of your chart beginning on Saturday, you're likely to face unexpected bills or delayed payments. Try to avoid making any unnecessary purchases for the next few weeks.

Happy birthday, Scorpio. On Friday, your birthday month begins. For the next four weeks, the Sun is shining on you. Make sure you take time to celebrate and tell the universe your wishes for the year ahead. Unfortunately, Mercury Retrograde is also happening in your sign beginning on Saturday, so miscommunications, technology issues, and travel delays are likely to pop up. If you're going on a bday trip, get to the airport early.

Say goodbye, Sagittarius. Scorpio season begins on Friday in the area of your chart associated with endings. The stars are urging you to leave behind something that's no longer serving you. However, Mercury Retrograde begins in the same section of your chart on Saturday, so it might be a bit of a prolonged goodbye before Mercury stations direct on November 13.

Be a villager, Capricorn. Scorpio season begins on Friday and lights up the part of your chart associated with friendships and community, reminding you just how important your village is to your life. Share your time and appreciation with them this month. With Mercury Retrograde beginning on Saturday, you're likely to encounter some friend drama, too. Community isn't always easy, but it's worth it.

Clock in, Aquarius. Scorpio season begins on Friday and for the next month, the Sun shines on the part of your chart associated with your career. Work hard now, because your boss is paying close attention. Warning: Mercury Retrograde starts on Saturday in the same part of your chart, so miscommunications at work are likely. Make sure you save a record of any important convos, and check your spam folder to see if any emails got lost.

Go explore, Pisces. Scorpio season begins on Friday in your chart's travel zone. If you can take a vacation over the next month, or even a day trip somewhere nearby, then you'll likely get a lot out of it. If not, you can "explore" by reading, listening to a podcast, or watching a movie. Mercury Retrograde begins on Saturday, so if you do travel, make sure you allow for extra time for flight delays and traffic jams.